Iran Confirms New Fees for Strait of Hormuz Transit
Iran's ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, stated on Saturday that his country will impose service fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies. Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Fazli emphasized that the fees would not be a toll but a charge for services ensuring security and environmental protection.
Special Treatment for Friendly Countries
Fazli assured that nations which supported Iran during the recent Middle East war would receive special treatment. “We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and specially stood by us during the hard times,” he said in translated remarks. The United States has rejected the idea of any fees.
Background of the Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The Strait of Hormuz normally carries one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas. During the Middle East war, Iran blockaded the strait, causing energy prices to soar. The blockade was lifted after an initial deal with the US, which included a 60-day period of free passage for commercial ships.
New Arrangements with Oman
Fazli mentioned that Iran is working in collaboration with Oman on new arrangements for the waterway. These arrangements will cover guaranteeing security of passage, supervision of vessels, and dealing with environmental consequences of heavy maritime traffic. The details of the post-60-day period remain unclear.
Ongoing Negotiations for Permanent Settlement
Negotiations between Iran and the US for a permanent settlement to end the conflict are ongoing. The initial deal struck between the two countries stipulated free transit for 60 days, but the future framework for the strait is still under discussion.
